Four officers linked to illegal arms, ammunition trade arrested

Four officers linked to illegal arms, ammunition trade arrested

The arrests announced by the DCI on Saturday followed weeks of investigations by the Operations Support Unit, which had been tracking the officers over their suspected role in diverting ammunition to criminal groups.

Four law enforcement officers have been arrested after an undercover operation exposed their alleged involvement in an illegal firearms and ammunition network that has been fueling insecurity in several parts of the country.

The arrests announced by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Saturday followed weeks of investigations by the Operations Support Unit, which had been tracking the officers over their suspected role in diverting ammunition to criminal groups.

Those arrested are Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Ekidor Lotira Charles, based in Turkana, Corporal Isaac Kipngetich attached to Turkana County Police Headquarters, Police Constable Ileli Cyrus Kisamwa, who works as an armourer at the Central Firearms Stores in Industrial Area, and Constable Samson Muriithi Mutongu, a storeman stationed at the same facility.

Detectives had placed them under surveillance after receiving intelligence on their activities.

The operation reached a turning point when Corporal Kipngetich was nabbed receiving a consignment of 1,000 rounds of ammunition from Constables Ileli and Mutongu.

The ammunition was intended for ASP Ekidor Lotira. Acting on further leads, officers later arrested Constable Mutongu and recovered 19 assorted firearm magazines, firing pins, cleaning kits, and three spent 9mm cartridges.

Constable Ileli was also found in possession of a Remington Rand Model 1911 pistol and two Ceska pistol firing pins, leading to his arrest. All four suspects have been processed and are set to appear in court on Monday, September 29,  2025.

The National Police Service (NPS) has condemned the involvement of the officers and vowed to take firm action against anyone who undermines public safety through illegal arms dealings.

Reader Comments

Trending

Popular Stories This Week

Stay ahead of the news! Click ‘Yes, Thanks’ to receive breaking stories and exclusive updates directly to your device. Be the first to know what’s happening.